Bishop Mark Hagemoen, ordained Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith in 2013 (above), was installed as Bishop of Saskatoon Nov. 23. Both events had much in common, including a powerful welcome, writes Barbara Dowding. (Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)
SASKATOON—Flying into Saskatoon, the bright sunshine sparkling across the miles and miles of snow-covered land. I was reminded of another journey I took four years ago.
It was the middle of December and the temperature in Yellowknife was -40. It was the day before the ordination and installation of our Vancouver priest, then Father Mark Hagemoen, as the new bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. The anticipation and excitement was palpable. Preparations were in high gear and everybody had a job to do. It was a community event beyond every expectation.
As we awaited the arrival of family and friends on the charter flight from Vancouver, it was clear this was going to be an amazing occasion. And so it was! I will never forget the wonderful Aboriginal/First Nations welcome, the warmest hospitality one could imagine, and the obvious love and care of all the people for their new bishop and Holy Mother Church.
Fast forward to Nov. 23, 2017, another crisp, cold day – although described by the locals as quite balmy at zero degrees. We arrived in Saskatoon just in for the banquet in honour of Bishop Mark and his imminent installation as the eighth diocesan bishop of Saskatoon.
What a welcome it was for Bishop Mark! In true Prairie fashion, the diocese pulled out all the stops to ensure the new shepherd knew how much he was welcome and how long they had been waiting for this great day. He was greeted warmly, given the keys to the diocese, and presented with a Saskatchewan Roughriders shirt.
Others will have recorded the fine words and good fun, but for me the message was more intangible, including the abundant love, joy, and gratitude that permeated everything. The community came together, exemplifying the strong and faithful nature of the church in Saskatoon and the high hopes they have for the future.
The cathedral was abuzz with anticipation as we waited for the liturgical procession to begin, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women's League forming a guard of honour. I was filled with joy and pride – the good kind – for this outpouring of support and welcome.
The First Nations smudging and aboriginal dance that preceded the bishop was a celebration in music with dance that lifted our hearts. As the rite of blessing with holy water continued, and with the congregation well and truly blessed, it soon became clear to all the bishop had indeed arrived.
From the powerful action of knocking on the door, to the genuine and loving welcome extended by representatives of the Church and wider community of Saskatoon, it was a night to remember.
Bishop Mark gave thanks and acknowledged how much the people of his first and now former diocese had formed him, been patient with him, and prepared him for the unexpected. As he has often said, it is a bittersweet time. He promised to give his all, as is his way. One could feel sure even more wonderful things are in store for this already flourishing diocese.
Surrounded by many bishops, including three former bishops from Saskatoon – Archbishop Donald Bolen, Bishop James Wiesgerber, and Archbishop Albert LeGatt – as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Bishop Mark must have felt the episcopal support and appreciation for his service. The music was exquisite and the glorious voices of the choir filled Saskatoon's Cathedral of the Holy Family with the sounds of heaven.
As the liturgy continued, the word was proclaimed, and we entered into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, it felt as if we were marking a profound moment in time witnessing to something very special with the advent of this new shepherd.
That was confirmed further when the nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Bonanzi, greeted, thanked, and encouraged Bishop Mark to begin a new chapter in the history of this diocese. He remarked on the great legacy of previous bishops and the many strengths of the diocese as he urged the new bishop to begin writing. He asked him to use the “pencils” of the past to script new pages toward a future of hope and healing. No small task!
Concluding with a solemn blessing, many acknowledgments, and words of gratitude to people too many to mention, Bishop Mark singled out his brother Dan in a particular and heartfelt way, ending the evening as it began, with great gratitude and much love.
Barbara Dowding is Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.